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Voulgaris, Aristeidis (2012) MEASURING VALUE IN THE VIDEO GAMES CONTEXT. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 1 1.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES..........................................................................................................................1 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS ..........................................................................................................................1 1.3 DISSERTATION STRUCTURE ..................................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 2 INDUSTRY RESEARCH CONTEXT .................................................................... 3 2.1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................3 2.2 INDUSTRY OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................3 2.3 VIDEO GAME GENRES .............................................................................................................................4 2.3.1 Role-playing games (RPG’s)......................................................................................................4 2.3.2 Strategy games...............................................................................................................................5 2.3.3 Sports games ...................................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 3 LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................................ 7 3.1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................7 3.2 CUSTOMER VALUE CHARACTERISTICS................................................................................................8 3.3 CUSTOMER VALUE HIERARCHY ........................................................................................................10 3.4 THE IMPORTANCE OF CUSTOMER VALUE FOR COMPANIES ..........................................................12 3.5 CUSTOMER VALUE AS A MULTI-‐DIMENSIONAL CONSTRUCT ........................................................16 3.6 HOLBROOK’S TYPOLOGY OF CUSTOMER VALUE ............................................................................18 3.7 SMITH AND COLGATE’S CUSTOMER VALUE CREATION FRAMEWORK .........................................22 3.8 VALUE CO-‐CREATION ..........................................................................................................................25 3.8.1 The evolution................................................................................................................................ 25 3.8.2 Value co-creation in video games ....................................................................................... 26
3.9 SUMMARY..............................................................................................................................................28 CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................30 4.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................30 4.2 RESEARCH PARADIGM ........................................................................................................................30 4.3 RESEARCH METHOD ...........................................................................................................................32 4.3.1 Strengths and weaknesses of the method selected ...................................................... 32 4.3.2 Sampling ........................................................................................................................................ 33 4.3.3 Research instrument design .................................................................................................. 34 4.3.4 Measurements.............................................................................................................................. 36 4.3.5 Difficulties and limitations..................................................................................................... 42
4.4 SUMMARY..............................................................................................................................................43 CHAPTER 5 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS................................................................................44 5.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................44 5.2 EXPLORATORY FACTOR ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................44 5.2.1 Test results .................................................................................................................................... 44 5.2.2 Interpretation .............................................................................................................................. 46
5.3 RELIABILITY ANALYSIS.......................................................................................................................47 5.4 VALUE DIMENSIONS ............................................................................................................................48 5.5 REGRESSION ANALYSIS .......................................................................................................................48 5.5.1 Test results .................................................................................................................................... 48 5.5.2 Interpretation .............................................................................................................................. 50
5.6 VALUE PERCEPTIONS ACROSS GAMING LEVELS ..............................................................................50 5.6.1 Overall value and playtime .................................................................................................... 50 5.6.2 Cost/Sacrifice value and playtime ...................................................................................... 52
5.6.3 Emotional value and playtime.............................................................................................. 54 5.7 VALUE PERCEPTIONS ACROSS PREFERRED GENRE ........................................................................56 5.7.1 Cost/Sacrifice value................................................................................................................... 57
5.8 LIMITATIONS AND SUMMARY............................................................................................................59 CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION & FUTURE RESEARCH............................................................61 6.1 CONCLUSION.........................................................................................................................................61 6.2 DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH...............................................................................................62
1
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Research objectives
The aim of this research is to identify a multidimensional measurement of
value in the video games context. Since research regarding value in the video
games context is extremely limited this paper is a small step towards
indentifying how the value concept is formed in the gamer’s mind.
Additionally the author will make an effort to explore whether some value
dimensions more important than others in determining the overall value gamers
perceive.
This research project will attempt to explore how overall value perceptions
as well as the underlying value dimensions change with respect to different
customer segments defined by usage time as well as game genre preferences.
1.2 Research Questions
• What are the underlying value dimensions in the video games context?
• Are some dimensions more important than others for gamers?
• Do value dimensions vary across different game genres?
• Do value dimensions vary across different gaming playtimes?
2
1.3 Dissertation structure
This paper will be divided into 6 chapters as indicated below: Chapter 1 makes an introduction to the project, indicates the objectives of this
study and briefly presents the methodology.
Chapter 2 will provide information about the video games industry, involving its
size and recent trends.
Chapter 3 will review the literature related to customer value and its importance
as well as the underlying value dimensions.
Chapter 4 will present the research methodology that will be followed in this
project.
Chapter 5 will provide the findings and the analysis of the results.
Chapter 6 will conclude the project and will also present some recommendations
for future research.
3
CHAPTER 2 INDUSTRY RESEARCH CONTEXT
2.1 Introduction
In order to be able to apply a value framework in the video game’s industry
it is imperative to understand the current state of the industry, including resent
trends, the evolution it has gone through during the past years as well as basic
descriptions of video game genres that are central to this research.
2.2 Industry overview
According to Euromonitor (2011) in the video games software industry,
sales account for the stunning 31,1 billion dollars. What is more fascinating is the
fast pace this industry has been growing given that the 2006 equivalent was 20,7
billion indicating almost 50% increase. The same report indicates that even
though the beginning of recession in 2008 has affected the industry minimizing
its growth rate, the trend towards cocooning intensified and people preferred to
spend time at home resulting in a boost in sales from 2010-‐2011. As such, casual
gaming levels have seen an increase across all ages. According to Entertainment
Software Association (2012), one of the key factors that supported the growth of
the video games industry in the past few years was the fact that the profile of the
average gamer have broadened significantly moving away from the young male
stereotype and nowadays includes more females as well as older consumer.
Video games in general are becoming more popular among families as well. That
being said, video game companies in order to remain competitive and attract the
increasing numbers of new customers, should learn how to relate and serve
them developing appropriate value propositions.
4
Euromonitor, (2011) also reports that expenditure on video games has
significantly increased as a proportion of annual disposable income from 0.11%
in 2004 to 0.18% in 2009 globally and this trend is set to see this proportion
reach 0.30% by 2014.
A major trend in the video game industry is the increasing popularity of
multiplayer functions of video games, as players increasingly want to interact
with other people either through the Internet or mobile networks.
One of the important challenges the video games industry is facing is the
ongoing struggle against piracy. A study published by Computer Entertainment
Suppliers Association back in 2010 indicated that for the years 2005-‐2010 video
games piracy has cost the handheld video game industry approximately 45
billion dollars without counting peer to peer downloads (Mcvuk, 2010).
2.3 Video game genres
This section familiarizes the reader with some of the most popular video
game genres as well as their main characteristics so that the analysis in the later
section can make sense. In general the classification is based on the gameplay
interaction rather than the actual narrative or visual specifications of the game.
There are few exceptions though such as racing or sports games.
2.3.1 Role-playing games (RPG’s)
Given the abstraction of the term (the fact that the user will “play a role”)
many people misinterpret the notion of such games. In essence this type of video
game requires the player to create a character that will interact with a virtual
5
world. A specific type of RPG’s made a breakthrough during the 90’s the
Massively multiplayer online role-‐playing games (MMORPG’s). Supported by the
immense growth of Internet and broadband speed this sub-‐category has
dominated the entire category ever since. The majority of MMORPG’s require the
user to bay a monthly fee (subscription) in order to play although lately more
free to play RPG’s are developed. It is notable that the MMORPG World of
Warcraft is the most popular RPG in the world and as of 2008 holds a Guiness
record since it holds more than 60% of the subscription based market. The game
currently counts about 10 million subscribers.
2.3.2 Strategy games
In strategy games the player commands a number of different characters
in multiple locations on a grid-‐based map in which different missions or
scenarios take place and require the user to perform specific tasks. These games
usually require planning and thinking skills in order to achieve the required
goals. A notable thing about this category is the fact that the titles’ popularity
lasts for a significant period of time. People who like these types of games tend to
stick with them for a longer period of time and this specific genre titles enjoy
bigger product life cycles. Indicative examples of the above claim are the
Warcraft or Age of Empires strategy series. Strategy games accounted for 27.6&
of unit sales in the US for 2011 acording to Entertainment Software Association
(2012). Starcraft 2 was ranked as the 3rd top selling game of 2011 in the US and
what is worth mentioning is that this sequel was launched 11 years after the first
title which some gamers still play today.
6
2.3.3 Sports games
The term in this case is self-‐explanatory as these types of games relate to a
specific sport or group of sports. Notable examples include football, basketball,
tennis or Olympic sports games etc. The majority of game titles that fall in this
category are being updated on a yearly basis through newer version releases
with updated content and features. Interestingly enough this category, apart
from the usual gamers, attracts people who do not enjoy video games in general,
but their affiliation with one or more sports has attracted them into playing.
7
CHAPTER 3 LITERATURE REVIEW
3.1 Introduction
Value has been an essential concept in marketing since its very beginning
because of its linkage with the process of exchange, once lying in the centre of
marketing thought, in which according to Bagozzi (1975) two parties interact
exchanging something of value to the one party with something of value to the
other one. This remains in line with the Kotler’s (1991) view of marketing as a
process that leads and facilitates exchanges between parties. By taking a look at
the latest definition of marketing by the American Marketing Association (AMA),
we can easily identify the prominent role value plays in the marketing concept.
According to AMA, “Marketing is an organizational function and a set of
processes for creating, communicating, and delivering value to customers and
for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and
its stakeholders.” From the above definition we can assume that defining what
constitutes value for the customers as well as how this value is created and its
effects on the way consumers behave, is vital in marketing practice. As Smith and
Colgate (2007, p. 7) argue, marketing’s goal is “to achieve personal
organizational and societal objectives by creating superior customer value for
one or more market segments with a sustainable strategy”. In this chapter the
different attempts to define and conceptualize customer value which stem from
different streams of the literature, together with the dimensions proposed by
various authors will be presented and reviewed.
8
3.2 Customer Value Characteristics
The concept of customer value is seen as one that is hard to conceptualize
and several authors have stressed out the reasons for that, including but not
limited to the ambiguity of the concept and the difficulties in measuring it
(Khalifa, 2004; Wang et al., 2004; Woodruff, 1997; Zeithaml, 1988). As such this
area of research appears to be highly fragmented. An early attempt to
conceptualize customer perceived value was made by Zeithaml, (1988). Her first
observation regarding customer value is something supported by the views of
most -‐if not all-‐ recent authors (see, for example, Gronroos, 1997; Holbrook,
1994, 1996, 2005, 2006; Ravald and Gronroos, 1996; Smith and Colgate, 2007;
Woodruff, 1997) and is the fact that the concept is highly personal and
subjective. She further argues that even though some respondents in her
research stressed out similar indicators for the quality of the offerings under
study, the value extracted was defined somehow differently. According to
Zeithaml (1988, p. 14) perceived customer value is “the consumer’s overall
assessment of the utility of a product based on perceptions of what is received
and what is given”. Her work describes perceived customer value as a one-‐
dimensional construct with a strong degree of measurability emphasizing on the
concept’s trade-‐off nature. In conceptualizing perceived value, the early work of
Dodds and Monroe (1985) which was based on Gutman’s (1982) means-‐end
chain model –initially developed in order to describe how consumer’s values
influence their buying behavior by explaining how consumers use information
about products; created the base upon which Zeithaml (1988) developed her
theory. Dodds and Monroe (1985) attempted to conceptualize and
9
operationalize perceived value by using perceived quality and price and
conclude that the concept can be represented as a trade-‐off between perceived
quality and sacrifice. Zeithaml’s (1988) conceptualization of value included more
than one definition based on the responses of the participants in her research,
namely, value as low price, value as whatever the customer wants in a product,
value as the quality consumers get for the price they pay and finally value as
what the consumer gets for what he gives. These four definitions were put
together to construct the general definition quoted above.
10
3.3 Customer Value Hierarchy
Other authors (for example, Holbrook 1996, 2006; Sheth et al., 1991;
Woodruff and Gardial 1996; Woodruff, 1997) argued that Zeithaml’s (1988)
approach to perceived value is narrow and characterise the concept as multi-‐
dimensional claiming that by measuring it in the way she posits, assuming that
price and quality are antecedents and not sub-‐components of value, important
characteristics of its notion are neglected. Authors such as Parasuraman (1997)
and Sánchez-‐Fernández and Iniesta-‐Bonillo (2007) also comment that given the
complexity, abstraction and multidimensionality of the concepts used by
Zeithaml (1988) (perceived price and quality) and other authors who adopt
similar approaches in order to conceptualize perceived value, the construct of
value cannot be that simple. More specifically, Woodruff (1997, p. 142) defines
customer value as “a customer’s perceived preference for and evaluation of those
product attributes, attribute performances, and consequences arising from use
that facilitate (or block) achieving the customer’s goals and purposes in use
situations”. It is clear that the author does not emphasize on the trade-‐off
element as Zeithaml did and his definition can be considered broader.
Complementary to this definition, Woodruff and Gardial (1996) and Woodruff
(1997) propose a customer value hierarchy model (Figure 1) which stems from
the means-‐end model Gutman (1982) introduced, in order to work as a guide for
better understanding customer value.
11
Figure 1; Woodruff and Gradial (1996); Woodruff (1997)
As seen above, in the bottom of the hierarchy lie the desired product
attributes and attribute performances. On top of them desired consequences in
use situations are placed and finally customer’s goals and purposes are shown.
The model tries to depict the way customer’s goals inform the desired
consequences customers seek in use situations and in turn how these preferred
consequences guide customers’ preferences of product attributes and product
attribute performances. It is important that the model works in a vice versa way,
in the sense that when consumer’s evaluate product attributes and attribute
performances, they try to link them with the consequences that are likely to
result, and in turn the goals they will achieve when the consequences occur.
Woodruff and Gardial (1996) and Woodruff (1997) further argue that according
to their model, evaluation takes place in all three different levels and consumers
can be more or less satisfied in any of the three. Additionally, standards and
preferences seem to be more stable towards the top of the pyramid (Fernández
and Iniesta-‐Bonillo, 2007; Parasuraman, 1997; Woodruff, 1997). The
relationship between value and satisfaction is also expressed with desired value
working as a guide for when consumers form perceptions about how an offering
12
performed in an actual use situation. Finally it has been posed that value has a
dynamic character, in other words it changes over time as people’s perceptions
and preferences change and the value they get from the same offering in two
separate use situations (Holbrook, 1996, 2006; Ledden and Kalafatis, 2010;
Parasuraman, 1997; Woodruff, 1997).
3.4 The importance of customer value for companies
Woodruff (1997) explicitly stated the importance of superior customer
value in assisting a company in gaining a competitive advantage and performing
better than its rivals. McDougall and Levesque (2000) also pronounced this view
as their research, which took place in a service context, has shown that perceived
customer value constitutes a customer satisfaction determinant. In turn
satisfaction is believed to be one of the major determinant of customer loyalty
supporting the above claim even further (Heskett et al., 1994). In addition a clear
link between perceived customer value and the customer’s willingness to buy
has been posed by Dodds et al. (1991) and also confirmed by Sweeney et al.
(1999) in their empirical research taking place in a retail setting with respect to
durable consumer electronics. Finally it is believed that offering superior
customer value has a direct effect on customer loyalty (Khalifa, 2004). The
examples mentioned above illustrate the indirect link between perceived
customer value and the prosperity of a firm. Moreover Woodruff (1997) noted
the inability that companies exhibit in changing their focus from internal to
external sources in seeking for it and he also proposed that there is a gradual
13
shift from quality management as a means of gaining a competitive edge to a
more external orientation that focuses on understanding what do customers
value and guides a firm in creating that value. Ravald and Gronroos (1996) also
support this view and they highlight that one way that companies can manage to
adopt such an external orientation is by trying to understand the sacrifices the
customer is required to make -‐including but no limited to the monetary ones-‐ in
order to acquire an offering, thus forcing them to look at things from the
customer’s perspective. As they point out lowering the effect of those sacrifices
have on the customer will eventually result in a higher level of value considering
of course the trade-‐off nature of value expressed by Zeithaml (1988). It is
believed though, that in order for a company to compete in value and adopt such
an orientation, solid understanding of markets and customers is required and
needs to be translated into actionable plans which will inform and guide
business operations (R&D, distribution, advertising) (Huber et al., 2001;
Woodruff, 1997). Prerequisites for the companies who want to outperform their
competitors in the above process are the “tools of customer value” (Woodruff,
1997, p. 140) which will facilitate the marrying of internal quality management
capabilities with strategies that are in line with consumers’ perceptions of value
(Burns and Woodruff, 1992; Woodruff, 1997).
Despite the fact Woodruff and Gardial’s (1996) and Woodruff’s (1997)
definition of perceived value is more comprehensive, Woodruff (1997) argues
that in order for the concept to be operationalized using their construct,
organizations need to remove barriers that block the employability of it, ranging
from cultural and procedural to managerial learning barriers. In essence,
organizations need to adapt and change their processes and structure in order to
14
allow useful information related to value to guide them and make good use of
that information. Parasuraman (1997) posits that in order to facilitate the
operationalization Woodruff’s (1997) construct and allow companies to measure
accurately and efficiently this type of marketing intelligence, and translate it into
actionable strategy, customers should be segmented into four types, namely: first
time customers, short-‐term customers, long-‐term customers and defectors. The
reason for that according to his claims is the dynamism characterising customer
value, as noted previously, since customer’s requirements are likely to change as
they progressively turn into long term users after their first time buy.
One of the characteristics of customer value that most of the researchers
have agreed upon is the fact that it is perceived differently by every individual
consumer and it is not something the producer embeds in the product
(Holbrook, 1996, 2006; Sheth et al. 1991; Smith and Colgate, 2007; Woodruff,
1997). As such, the need for an external focus for the firms is expressed once
more since no matter what the producer thinks about an offering, the
consumer’s viewpoint is the one that matters making the need for the voice of
the customer in developing and marketing it even greater. The literature also
proves that customers assess value at different points of time throughout their
experience with an offering, namely, before or during the purchase decision and
during or after using it (Woodruff, 1997). Ravald and Gronroos (1996) exemplify
the above claim by noting that although price can be an important criterion
during purchase, a manual that can facilitate a product’s use can be of
importance when the customer is first using it. Gardial et al., (1994) have also
posed that the attributes of a product are of more importance when consumers
15
evaluate products during the purchase decision and consequences, which
include the benefits deriving by the use of offerings, have a more significant role
when a given offering’s value is assessed during use. Taking into consideration
the above claims, we can also say that consumers may not be able to fully grasp
on the situation the product will be used, resulting in them not using appropriate
criteria to assess its value appropriately.
According to Ravald and Gronroos (1996) the relationship marketing paradigm
can indicate ways which can support an organization’s attempts to increase the
value its customers experience. The way Gronroos (1994) defines relationship is
the following: “Marketing is to establish, maintain and enhance relationships
with customers and other partners, at a profit, so that the objectives of the
parties involved are met. This is achieved by a mutual exchange and fulfilment of
promises.” Considering the importance of relationships between the two parties
in marketing stressed out in the above definition, Ravald and Gronroos (1996)
argue that enhancing such relationships, can result to higher levels of value for
the customer. In their views, assuming the trade-‐off nature of value, it is of major
importance for the companies to be able to act upon the sacrifices the customers
are required to make by minimizing the costs involved in their relationship with
a company. They further explain their argument by indicating that the
relationship itself has is likely to have a major effect on the total value perceived
by the customer.
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3.5 Customer Value as a multi-dimensional construct
Sheth et al. (1991) viewed perceived value as a multi-‐dimensional
construct and tried to separate the different types of it, aiming towards an
understanding of how these types influence consumer choice behaviour by
developing what they defined as consumption value theory. They argue that the
five types of value are functional, conditional, social, emotional and epistemic. In
their views, functional value of an offering is created by its attributes and
characteristics and relates to the offering’s ability for functional, utilitarian and
physical performance. Examples include the processing power of a computer, the
consumption levels of a heating installation, or the resolution of a TV screen.
They define social value as the perceived utility an alternative has, based on its
ability to allow the individual to associate him/herself with specific social groups
and express him/herself in his social circles. They further comment that this type
of value is likely to be stronger in products more visible to others, such as clothes
or jewellery. Emotional value relates to the extent to which an alternative is able
to generate feelings and the extent to which the alternative is linked with specific
emotional states in the mind of the consumer. Epistemic value is the perceived
utility offered by an alternative as a means to satisfy ones curiosity or desire for
knowledge. Finally conditional value represents the perceived utility an
alternative offers as a result of the specific situation or context the decision
making occurs. Sheth et al. (1991) lay some fundamental premises that
characterise their conceptualization of value and argue that the five values their
research identified are independent and some or all of them can be used
together having more or less significance when consumers are evaluating
offerings. Additionally, consumers are believed to be willing to sacrifice a type of
17
value for another one they consider more prominent. Smith and Colgate (2007)
have criticized the framework proposed by Sheth et al. (1991) because according
to their opinion it fails to capture the cost/sacrifice aspect of customer perceived
value, the monetary, psychic and time costs that is, that Dodds and Monroe
(1985) and Zeithaml (1988) profoundly expressed. Moreover, Sweeney and
Soutar (2001) challenged Sheth et al.’s (1991) foundational premise regarding
the independency of consumption values, claiming that “hedonic and utilitarian
components of attitude might be related” (Sweeney and Soutar, 2001, p. 205).
Building upon Sheth et al.’s work the authors attempted to develop a
measurement scale for customer value in a retail context involving durable
consumer electronics. Given the nature of their research they decided to exclude
epistemic and conditional value and split functional value into two sub-‐
components, namely, quality and price in order to develop the “PERVAL” model
as a means of assessing customer’s perceptions of value in the specific context
and assist practitioners in understanding them better.
18
3.6 Holbrook’s Typology of Customer Value
Perhaps one of the most influential and comprehensive work made on
value comes from Holbrook (1994, 1996, 2005, 2006). He defines customer
value as “..an interactive relativistic preference experience”. Breaking his
definition down, he explains that he terms it as interactive due to the fact that it
requires a subject, i.e. the consumer and an object i.e. the product to interact in
order to be perceived. The relativistic characterization is there to express the
comparative, personal and situational nature of customer value. Holbrook
further explains that customer value is comparative since it includes
comparisons between objects which have different value extraction capabilities,
it is personal, because every individual perceives it differently and finally is
situational because it is highly dependent on the context the consumer’s
evaluation occurs. The fact that value has a contextual character is the base upon
which this empirical research is built. Holbrook (2006, p. 715) notes that
“customer value entails subjective hierarchical preferences based on an
individual’s situation-‐specific comparisons of one object with another”. Finally
the word experience signifies the fact that value does not rest in the purchase
but in the broader domain of the consumption experience. Building on his
definition, Holbrook devised the so-‐called customer value typology in an attempt
to depict all different types of value since according to his views, one can fully
grasp on a given type of value by considering its relationship to the rest of the
types, seeing in as a unified construct (Holbrook, 1996). In order to unveil these
different customer value types, Holbrook proposed three key dimensions of
value: a) extrinsic versus intrinsic, b) self versus other-‐oriented and c) active
19
versus reactive. The extrinsic versus intrinsic dichotomy denotes that a
consumption experience can be either considered a means-‐ends scenario, where
the consumer engages in it in an attempt to achieve a further goal or a purpose,
or value it as an end itself. Self-‐oriented value includes consumption experiences
that are valued because of the effects they have on a given consumer and
contrasts to other-‐oriented value whose effects go beyond the self and affect
other people or social groups that will react to it in a certain manner. The final
dimension is there to separate experiences in which the individual manipulates
the object (offering) of interest and in this way affects the outcome stemming by
its use (e.g. playing a video game) from experiences where the consumer holds a
reactive, more passive role, in which case the object is affecting the individual
than the other way around (e.g. a painting admired by the consumer).
20
By combining all three dimensions, assuming that every offering can be
classified in each one of them, Holbrook (1994) lists the eight possible types of
customer value. (Figure 2)
Figure 2; Holbrook (1994)
As Holbrook denotes, more than one of the eight types of value shown
above sometimes overlap in the sense that they are likely to occur together in
any given consumption experience at varying degrees. Even though the
conceptual basis of Holbrook’s typology and its comprehensiveness has been
recognized by other authors (Sánchez-‐Fernández and Iniesta-‐Bonillo, 2007;
Smith and Colgate, 2007), the main sources of criticism against it relate to the
fact that it is difficult for companies to act upon as the degree of complexity is
relatively high as well as the fact that it neglects the sacrifice aspects of value, as
these are only encompassed in the efficiency type value can have. Holbrook
21
(2006) also provides a simplified version of his typology, including two out of the
total three dimensions he initially proposed. That construct focuses on whether
value is self or other-‐oriented and on the motivation that is behind the value
assessment, the extent to which value is intrinsic or extrinsic. According to this
simplified view, four types of value can occur as shown on Table 1.
Table 1; Holbrook (2006)
Self-‐oriented Extrinsic Intrinsic
Self-oriented Economic value Hedonic Value
Other-oriented Social Value Altruistic Value
If we compare this table with the original one, we can conclude that economic
value represents “efficiency” and “excellence”, social value stands for “status”
and esteem”, hedonic value is comprised of “play” and “aesthetics” and altruistic
value combines “ethics” and “spirituality”.
Woodall (2003) proposes a different approach in conceptualizing
customer value or “value for the customer” (VC) as he terms it. In his paper he
distinguishes between five different notions relating to the broad concept of
value. Net VC stands for relative weight of benefits and sacrifices in which case a
ratio better than 1:1 represents “good” VC, derived VC relates to the outcomes
that follow a consumption experience, marketing value which is conceived as the
preferable product attributes consumers seek, sale VC which represents the
reduction in sacrifice, a simple example of which can be low price that
consumers are likely to equate with value and finally rational VC which includes
the level of fairness consumers assign to a specific benefit-‐sacrifice comparison
that characterizes an offering. Even though this conceptualization was seen as
22
highly comprehensive, Smith and Colgate (2007) claim that there is a significant
degree of overlap between the five categories in the sense that some of the
benefits tend to appear under multiple types. Additionally they argue that this
framework is once again difficult to operationalize on by creating actionable
marketing strategies and it’s also difficult to serve as a basis for measuring value
dimensions.
3.7 Smith and Colgate’s customer value creation framework
Smith and Colgate’s (2007) contribution in the domain of customer value
is made by building upon the work of Sheth et al. (1991) and supplementing it
with Holbrook’s (1999, 2005), Woodall’s (2003) as well as Park et al.’s (1986)
papers. The framework they developed identifies four types of value, namely,
functional/instrumental value, experiential/hedonic value, symbolic/expressive
value and cost/sacrifice value. In their paper they acknowledge and pronounce
the findings of previous authors regarding the subjectivity related with customer
value (the fact that it is perceived uniquely by individuals), the contextual nature
of it, as well as the dynamism that characterizes it. Their work emphasizes on
generating a framework that avoids overlaps between the types of value
associated with it and one that is easy to understand, so that companies can act
upon but in the same time comprehensive enough so that it captures the
dimensions of value previous authors have stressed out.
In defining functional/instrumental value, Smith and Colgate (2007) use
the facets of functional value provided by Woodruff (1997) and argue that this
type of value includes (a) the desired product attributes, characteristics,
functions, attributes and features; (b) the appropriate performances related with
23
an offering; and (c) the desired outcomes and consequences deriving from a
product’s use. They also exemplify that different companies are likely to focus on
any of these three facets in an attempt to offer superior value from their rivals.
This definition of theirs is also similar to Sheth et al.’s (1991) description of
functional value since they believe that functional value is strongly linked to
product characteristics and attributes as well.
Moving on to experiential/hedonic value, Smith and Colgate (2007) pose
that this type is concerned with the ability of a product to create the desired
experiences, feelings and emotions for the consumer. In their further explanation
they also provide a subset of values that are included in this category. More
specifically, sensory value which relates to aesthetics and ambiance, emotional
value such as fun, excitement or pleasure, social-‐relational value including
bonding, personal interaction and the development of trust and commitment and
finally epistemic value which represents curiosity or the thirst for knowledge, all
appear to be expressed by experiential/hedonic value. Comparing this
classification with Sheth et al.’s (1991) work, it can be concluded that in Smith
and Colgate’s (2007) case the category is somehow broader as it groups up the
definitions of Sheth et al. on epistemic and emotional value complementing it
with elements of social value. In addition it resembles Holbrook’s (2006) hedonic
value in the simplified version of his typology but it is unarguably more
comprehensive.
Symbolic/expressive value relates to the extent to which an offering can
be associated with a psychological meaning in the mind of the consumer.
According to Smith and Colgate (2007), this includes but is not limited to the
products that appeal to ones self-‐concept and allow consumers to enhance it.
24
Furthermore, Smith and Colgate (2007) explain that this type of value includes
the associations made by the consumers between a product and a specific
situation or a person. Additionally the authors claim that some products (as for
example branded clothes or watches) function as a means of expressing an
individual assisting them in making a statement about themselves.
Finally, the fourth type of value in Smith and Colgate’s (2007) construct,
cost/sacrifice value, encompasses all types of transaction costs involved in the
purchase, ownership and use of a given offering. These costs range from
economic costs such as the price of an offering, to switching cots or even psychic
(the attachment an individual consumer might have with a specific offering)
ones. In the authors’ view companies should focus on minimizing these different
types of costs in an attempt to increase the overall value customers can
experience through their products and services.
A final contribution of Smith and Colgate’s (2007) work is the
identification of the sources of customer value from the organization’s point of
view. More specifically, information, products, interactions, environment and
lastly ownership transfer, which are expressed through different value chain
processes and activities, all appear to play important and different roles in
generating value for the customer.
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3.8 Value co-creation
3.8.1 The evolution
Even though the focus of this paper lies on the dimensions of customer
value, one cannot discuss customer value adequately without mentioning value
co-‐creation. The concept of value co-‐creation is strongly connected to the
paradigm shift of service dominant logic proposed by Vargo and Lusch (2004).
This emerging paradigm indicates that service provision is becoming
fundamental to economic exchange changing the focus from the tangible output
of offerings to intangibility, exchange processes and relationships related to
them (Vargo and Lusch, 2004). Vargo and Lusch (2004, p. 2) define services as
“the application of specialized competencies (knowledge and skills) through
deeds, processes, and performances for the benefit of another entity or the entity
itself”, separating their views from the traditional ones that treat services as
value adding components that can enhance a tangible good. The effects this shift
has on marketing are numerous one of them being the way value is created and
delivered. More specifically, it is believed that value is created through the use of
an offering (Payne et al., 2008; Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2004; Vargo and
Lusch, 2004, 2008) and not during the manufacturing process, thus it is not
embedded in it. Vargo and Lusch (2004, 2008) have presented the foundational
premises linked to service dominant logic. Their sixth foundational premise
derives from the above claim and specifies that the customer is always a co-‐
creator of value indicating the interactional nature of value creation. Elaborating
on this argument further, Vargo and Lusch’s (2008) seventh foundational
26
premise states that an organization can only provide the customer with value
propositions, and the way the customer acts upon them using his knowledge and
skills is what determines value. Taking into account the above statements as well
as the fact that customer value is co-‐created at “multiple points of interaction”
(Prahalad and Ramaswamy, 2004, p. 13), it is evident that the consumption
experience as a whole becomes of major importance when assessing customer
value. According to Prahalad and Ramaswamy, (2004) for a firm and a customer
to be able to jointly engage in such a process, the development of “blocks of
interactions” is vital in order to facilitate this process. The authors further argue
that consumers nowadays have become more demanding and they want to
engage with companies, requesting seeking personalized interactions with them.
Finally, Prahalad and Ramaswamy (2004) draws a clear line between
personalized co-‐creative interactions and customization services offered by
various firms, given that the later tends to suit the company’s objectives rather
than the customer’s preferences.
3.8.2 Value co-creation in video games
Video games can be the ideal example to demonstrate value co-‐creation
activities. In the video games world the main source of co-‐created value are the
so-‐called communities. Apart from the actual gaming communities, the term is
also used by gamers to define “who plays the game”, its fan base in some sense.
The community can be responsible for the commercial failure or the success of a
title and can enhance the value its members “extract” from a title. An example
can be individual gamers that use Web 2.0 based applications such as social
media, blogs, etc., aiming in clarifying and explaining aspects of the game,
27
generate game related content outside the game’s virtual world, answer
questions and help other players. Activities like that enhance the way prospect
as well as current consumers who either engage or not engage in such activities
perceive a certain game title and in a different setting could be considered
actions or practices that are completely firm centric. Another concrete example
from video games regarding value co-‐creation comes from Warcraft 3 strategy
game. Even though the latest expansion game has been out since 2003 and no
significant updates were done to the game, due to the huge number of people
generating custom maps or “mods” as these are termed by gamers, it enjoys a
huge fan base compared to other past competitors. Having such an open
innovation system that resembles the open-‐source movement empowers users,
giving good title endless possibilities. Other games such as Little Big Planet or
Spore, completely rely on users ability and willingness in generating content and
sharing their experience by playing with other users in the content they created.
Banks and Potts (2010) have taken an in depth analysis in the MMORPG game
Fury’s development process in order to observe the role the actual customers
played in the games performance. They highlight the importance of having an
open dialog between the professional developers of the game and the network of
game players. The game was going through an open beta test where anyone
could try it out and post their opinion and contribute with their feedback.
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3.9 Summary
In this chapter the importance of the concept of value was been stressed
out by carefully following the evolution of thought around it throughout the past
years. Different value conceptualizations have been presented and critiqued by
stressing out their individual strengths and weaknesses. It is evident that even
though scholars seem to agree on the definition and importance of value in the
domain of marketing, one can observe significant differences on how this notion
can be accurately conceptualized. This fact is presented throughout this chapter
by illustrating the variety of different one-‐dimensional and multidimensional
constructs and measurements developed by academics. As mentioned earlier,
one point upon which the different streams of literature agree upon seems to be
the effect contextual factors such as the type of offering have on value, and this is
what gives this research the push to explore an “uncharted territory” of
customer value.
This research will be based upon Smith and Colgate’s (2007) framework
due to its simplicity and comprehensiveness. Accordingly the focus of this
research will be to measure subcomponents of value that exist in this specific
context, using a multidimensional approach. Moreover the differences in the
importance of individual value dimensions will be assessed as a means to better
understand value in video games. This paper will also examine how overall value
perceptions and individual value dimensions change across the different
consumer segments participating in this study. This can provide some insights
on the basis of which video game companies can segment the market and try and
attract those that they can efficiently serve.
29
30
CHAPTER 4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
4.1 Introduction
This chapter will present the paradigm that guides the quantitative
research method employed by the author as well as the reasons behind this
choice and how it fits the overall purpose of this paper. This will be followed by
detailed analysis on the way the research instrument was created, describing
and justifying the development and adoption of relevant scale measurements for
this experimental research.
4.2 Research Paradigm
For this project, the author has chosen to employ a quantitative research
method, namely, an online survey. The paradigm that underlies this research
method is the positivist paradigm. Positivism has emerged during the 19th
century with its main ambassador being Auguste Comte and later on the Vienna
Circle –a group of philosophers formed at the university of Vienna (Bryant,
1985)-‐ gave this scientific paradigm a more formal state (Hallebone and Priest,
2009). Although positivism has been evolving throughout the years and different
types of it have emerged, such as Logical Positivism, Sociological Positivism,
Legal Positivism and Polish Positivism, the main view it holds is the fact that the
only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, knowledge that derives from
evidence that is observable, empirical and measurable (Cohen and Maldonado,
2007; Hallebone and Priest, 2009). Positivism dictates that researchers should
look and study humanity through social sciences in the same way they study
31
natural ones, using scientific reasoning that portrays the researcher separate to
reality and treats reality as objective and external. In other words, positivism has
become closely associated with the idea of giving sociology a scientific nature.
The main contrary paradigm to positivism is interpretivism in the sense that it
considers reality and individuals closely related due to the fact that ones
perceptions of the world are strongly affected by the experiences the individual
had throughout its life course. As such, interpretivists believe that reality is
neither external to the researcher nor objective, and the validity of their work is
assessed by reflexivity, the process the researcher undergoes when he describes
how he or she has affected the research (Thorpe and Holt, 2008). Positivist
epistemology focuses on discovering patterned information that has broad
application and can provide knowledge by being tested across different settings
such as, organizations, industries or communities (Hallebone and Priest, 2009).
In general, positivism as a research method is characterized by its robust
structure in the sense that the process of coming up with a conclusion has a
strong linear nature (Bryant, 1985). The researcher is required to develop a
question or hypothesis and collect evidence that will allow him to assess and
evaluate those in a predetermined way. In this process, it is imperative that the
later steps do not affect or alter the outcomes of the former ones (Hallebone and
Priest, 2009).
32
4.3 Research Method
As mentioned above, the quantitative research method selected for this
project is an online survey. In the author’s views, this method can fits
appropriately with the objectives of this paper as these are stressed out by the
research questions.
4.3.1 Strengths and weaknesses of the method selected
The benefits of using online surveys mainly relate to time efficiency. By
choosing to employ this method, the respondents’ answers are collected the
moment they finish completing the related questionnaire so the time spent by
the researcher collecting the survey can be invested into different areas related
to their research. Moreover, with real-‐time reporting option being available the
researcher can keep track of the whole process being able to achieve better
timing. Considering the fact that questionnaires distributed online are self-‐
administered so the respondents can complete them in their own convenience,
coupled with the increasing intolerance of respondents to mail or telephone
surveys, online surveys seem to provide significantly higher response rates that
the two other methods mentioned. Additionally, the fact that the whole process
takes place in computerized setting where graphics and real-‐time summary
reports can be included, the respondents tend to be more willing to engage with
them (McDaniel and Gates, 2010).
On the other hand, as far as drawbacks involved in online surveys are
concerned, one of the most important ones is the fact that people with Internet
access are not representative or the total population. In this case the above fact
does not influence the outcome of the study as much, since people that play
33
video games are highly unlikely not to have Internet access since lately has
become a prerequisite for numerous popular video games. The second
disadvantage of using an online survey relates to the fact that the sample is
unrestricted in the sense that anyone has access to it since it is publically
available jeopardizing the sample selection intended by the researcher (Bradley,
2010). Furthermore, if the respondents are allowed to complete the survey more
than once, the risk of having an unhealthy sample becomes larger. For this
research, this risk has been minimized, by forbidding multiple responses from
single respondents, using their IP address and unique MAC address as screening
criteria. In this way the only way respondents could access the survey more than
once is by using a different device using a different broadband connection.
4.3.2 Sampling
For this project a nonprobability sampling method was selected. The time
constrains coupled with the limited financial resources available did not allow a
more sophisticated and in turn scientific approach as far as sampling is
concerned an thus dictated such an approach. To be more specific, a
combination of a judgment and snowball sample was used in an attempt to
gather responses from a variety of cross section gamers with different weekly
“play-‐time” and different video game genre preferences. The reason the author
gives this double-‐sided sample method description relates to the distribution
process of this survey. The permanent survey web link was distributed through
different vehicles so that the above objective is met. Initially, two popular UK
based video game community websites’ forums were chosen, “TGforums” and
“Gamestm” where threads have been created inviting people to complete a video
34
games survey. This resulted in shorter data collection times and also allowed the
sample selection to be less biased from the author’s individual selection. In
addition, due to the fact that there was a risk of having respondents of very
similar profile, the survey link was distributed to UK based university students
selected by the author who can in general relate to gaming and these
respondents were asked to further distribute the questionnaire to individuals
that fulfill the above premise. This was also done as an attempt to include more
female respondents as the main members of the online communities mentioned
before were likely to be males.
In total, the author personally distributed the survey to 43 respondents out
of the total 142 that completed it. Out of those, 8 were partially completed and 2
were found invalid, resulting in 132 total valid responses.
4.3.3 Research instrument design
At first, the respondents were first asked how many hours they spend
playing games per week on average. The reason for that was to be able to
identify how intense the gaming experience was for each individual, in terms of
playtime. Secondly, the respondents preferred game genre was requested. The
available options (genres) were scholastically put together so that they can cover
every possible option, listing all main game genre categories and descriptive
examples of each genre were also given so that all users can confidently respond.
Even though lately combinations between genres were given to some newer
titles, the main idea was disseminated thoroughly. Considering the fact that 9
different game genres are listed the author acknowledges that the most probable
case is that not all genres will appear frequently and conclusions regarding
35
genres with low frequencies will not be possible. Finally, the respondents were
prompted to name the title they mostly played the past year and respond by
providing their agreement with the statements to follow later on. This was also
done in order for the respondents to remain focused on the game title they
initially selected while going through the rest of the questionnaire. Following
these initial questions, questions regarding value dimensions were asked related
to the specific game title the respondents provided. The process of developing
these questions is stressed out in the following section. In order to ensure that
the game title selected by the respondents falls in the category they indicated as
their favorite, the author individually evaluated all questionnaires to make sure
the above premise stands. On that basis 2 questionnaires were excluded from the
analysis and considered invalid. A final question asking the perceived overall
value this specific game titles holds for each respondent on a 5-‐point Likert scale,
ranging from poor to excellent. Before the data collection the research
instrument was pretested in a process involving by 15 gamers with different
exposures to gaming, in order to make sure the questions are clear and
understandable and avoid misinterpretations by the respondents. The reader
can refer to Appendix A for a comprehensive illustration of the questionnaire.
36
4.3.4 Measurements
The framework this research was based in order to measure value
dimensions in the video games context is that of Smith and Colgate (2007). Due
to the lack of empirical research using Smith and Colgate’s (2007) concepts, and
in turn, lack of scales related to this specific construct some of the items need to
be adjusted from scales used in measurements based on different
conceptualizations, and others needed to be developed by the author using
Smith and Colgate’s definitions of those dimensions. It should be noted that a 5-‐
point Likert scale was used to measure all three dimensions and their sub
dimensions.
The descriptions as well as the sub-‐components (facets) of each type/dimension
of value according to Smith and Colgate (2007) are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2; Smith and Colgate (2007)
Smith and Colgate (2007), as mentioned earlier in the review of the
literature, strongly based their conceptualization of Functional/Instrumental
value on the definitions of Woodruff (1997) and Sheth et al. (1991), and claim
Functional/Instrumental
• Correct/accurate attributes
• Appropriate performances
• Appropriate outcomes
Experiential/Hedonic
• Emotional • Sensory • Social/Relational
• Epistemic
Symbolic/Expressive
• Self-‐identity/concept
• Personal meaning
• Social meaning
• Conditional meaning
Cost/Sacriqice
• Economic • Psychological • Personal investment
• Risk
37
that the sub-‐components of this dimension of value includes accurate attributes,
appropriate performances and outcomes. In the author’s views,
Instrumental/Functional value can not be accurately pronounced in the context
of video games given their hedonic nature an remains in line with Turel et al.’s
(2009, p. 59) claim about hedonic technologies such as video games, who argue
that this type of offerings “…provide little, if any, instrumental value gains”.
According to Turel et al. (2009) is such cases enjoyment, social value, value-‐for-‐
money as well as their tradeoffs become of major importance. One can argue that
technical characteristics of video game titles such as graphics and the engines
the games were built on, can be perceived as the facets of
Functional/Instrumental value mentioned above, but the author, having a long
year experience with video games, believes that due to the nature of video games
as well as the purpose those offerings serve, those characteristics can be more
accurately described as Experiential/Hedonic value subcomponents. The
individuals involved in the pretesting process of the survey instrument also
shared this view. As such, Functional/Instrumental value was not involved in
this research and the focus was given to the remaining three dimensions.
38
4.3.4.1 Experiential/Hedonic Value
As reflected in the literature, Smith and Colgate’s (2007) definition of this
value dimension appears to be significantly comprehensive, including sub-‐
components that other authors (see, for example, Sheth et al., 1991; Sweeney
and Soutar, 2001) described as separate dimensions. Due to lack of empirical
research based on Smith and Colgate’s (2007) framework, the scales for two of
the individual sub-‐components have been adopted and adjusted from different
studies, and the author developed two as well. As such, the scales used to
measure Emotional value where based on the scales used previously in the
literature by Sweeney and Soutar (2001). The author decided to omit the
statement used by Sweeney and Soutar (2001) relating to the offering making
the user wanting to use it, as well as the statement relating to consumers feeling
relaxed about using the product due to their irrelevance with the video games
context. The statements used were related to emotional states generated
through the use of video games and are illustrated on Table 3.
Moving on to Sensory value, assuming the fact that this subcomponent of
value includes elements that can be perceived by ones senses, in the case of
video games, the graphic design, accompanying music as well as the “gameplay”
aspect of the game, which stems from the seamless integration of the two
characteristics mentioned, together with numerous other functions, constitute
this Experiential/Hedonic value component. The items used to measure sensory
value are presented in Table 3.
39
Social/Relational value in Smith and Colgate’s framework is strongly
connected to personal interaction, which in the case of video games relates to the
degree at which games can allow individuals to meet new people and interact
with them inside and outside the virtual world. Unlike the definition of social
value provided by other author’s such as Sheth et al. (1991) which involves the
consumer’s self images and has an expressive nature, in the framework this
research is based, product utility related to them falls under
symbolic/expressive value and will be analyzed further on. A brief summary of
the definition of social/relational value together with the items used to measure
it in the video games context is shown on Table 3.
Finally, Epistemic value was partly adopted by Pura’s (2005) research in
mobile services but was somehow broadened so that it accurately represents the
role this type of value holds in the case of video games.
40
Experiential/Hedonic value subcomponents
Definition Scales used in previous research Video Games context
Emotional value: The ability of a product to generate appropriate feelings and affective states (Sweeney and Soutar, 2001)
This product: • is one that I would enjoy • would make me want use it • is one that I would feel
relaxed about using • would make me feel good • would give me pleasure
(Sweeney and Soutar, 2001)
• I have fun playing this game • When I play this game I get
excited • I feel relaxed when I play this
game • Playing this game makes me
feel good • Excelling in this game makes me
feel good
Social/Relational value: The extent to which an offering can create feelings related to bonding and connectedness, personal interaction, trust and commitment, and responsiveness (Smith and Colgate, 2007)
• Playing this game helps me to meet like-‐minded people
• I like competing against other players
• I like playing in teams/groups • I feel I am part of a wide social
group when I play this game
Epistemic value: The alternatives capacity to arouse curiosity, provide novelty and knowledge or fantasy (Sheth et al., 1991)
I used this mobile service • to experiment with new
ways of doing things • to test the new technologies • out of curiosity
(Pura, 2005)
• I like that this game has different features compared to other games
• I like that ones need to figure out how the game works
• I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game
• I learned a lot of things playing this game
• This game challenges me intellectually
Sensory value: Aesthetics, ambiance, aromas, feel/tone (Smith and Colgate, 2007)
• I enjoy the music in this game • The look and feel of this game is
something I enjoy • I enjoy the graphics in this game • I enjoy the pace of this game
Table 3; Experiential/Hedonic Value
41
4.3.4.2 Symbolic/Expressive Value
In the context of video games this type of value involves personal
meaning some games are likely to hold as well associations made between games
and past experiences for some individuals. Additionally, games and the way
individuals interact with them can be seen as a means of self-‐expression. This
type of value includes elements of social value, but the items used to measure
social value in the past, were considered difficult for gamers to relate and
respond to and ended up being meaningless or have a negative nature. As such,
by looking closely to Smith and Colgate’s (2007) definition more appropriate
items were developed and are presented as well as contrasted with previous
items on Table 4.
Definition Scale used in previous research Video Games context
Symbolic/Expressive value: The extent to which a psychological meaning is attached to an offering (Smith and Colgate, 2007)
Customization of my mobile services
• helps me to feel accepted • makes a good impression on other
people • gives me social approval
(Sigala,, 2006)
• This game reflects my personality
• I’ve associated this game with pleasant memories
• This game means a lot to me • The way I play this game
shows my competitive side • This game allows me to
show my skills Table 4; Symbolic/Expressive value
4.3.4.3 Cost/Sacrifice Value
The items used to measure this dimension were based on the measures
validate by Wang et al. (2004) with minor changes in wording to fit in the video
games context. One item was excluded due to its applicability and the statements
were also brought to a product level since Wang et al.’s (2004) research was firm
centric. These items as well as their source are presented in Table 5.
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Definition Scale used in previous research Video Games context
Cost/Sacrifice value: Transaction costs involved in the purchase, ownership and use of an offering (Smith and Colgate, 2007)
• The brand/service of this firm is reasonably priced
• The brand/service of this firm offers value for money based on previous experiences
• The brand/service of this firm is a good product for the price deducted by discounts
• The brand/service of this form is value for money compared with that of major competitors
• The choice of transacting with the firm is a right decision when price and other expenses are considered
(Wang et al., 2004)
• This game is reasonably priced
• This game offers value for money based on previous experiences
• This game offers value for money compared to other similar games
• The choice of purchasing this
game is a right decision when price and other expenses are considered
Table 5
4.3.5 Difficulties and limitations
The initial framework for this project was 4 months but an unexpected
job offer that appeared towards the later part of the research limited the author’s
time flexibility and availability, especially during the vital part of data analysis.
The data collection process was also slightly affected. Therefore the author
acknowledges that this research has limitations related to the sampling process
as well as the analysis of the findings. Ideally, a confirmatory factor analysis
should have followed the initial exploratory one but the lack of time as well as
appropriate software didn’t allow for one. Moreover, if time constraints were not
an issue, qualitative research could have been also employed at a primitive stage
of this project in order to provide more insights that could be used to feed in the
research instrument used.
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4.4 Summary
This chapter has provided the research methodology for this research and
has justified why such an approach was taken by taking a detailed look and the
development of the measures used. Taking into account the aim of this research,
which is to identify a multidimensional value measurement in the video games
context, the use of a quantitative technique stemming form the positivist
paradigm was found most appropriate. This approach is somewhat obligatory
given the nature of the rest of the research questions that this paper will be
addressing such as, the different importance between value dimensions as well
as the different value perceptions across different customer segments. The data
analysis as well as the major findings of this research will be presented in the
following chapter, in line with the research questions.
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CHAPTER 5 ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS
5.1 Introduction
In order to examine whether the speculated value dimensions play have a
prominent role in the context of video games, and whether can be grouped
together the author run an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The next step was
to run a reliability analysis for each individual component produced in order to
ensure it can be used for further research. After assessing and interpreting the
findings, the results were used in order to provide an understanding of the
relationship between overall value and the related dimensions through a
Multivariate Regression Analysis. Finally using the findings produced, the author
attempted to explore how value perceptions vary between consumer segments
in this particular context using 4 one-‐way analysis of variance tests.
5.2 Exploratory Factor Analysis
5.2.1 Test results
The framework that was adopted for this research as well as the setup of
the research instrument, suggest that a maximum of 6 dimensions will derive
from the EFA. For the first analysis principal component analysis was used using
the all the variables that were used to measure value dimensions. As seen in
Appendix B, Kaiser-‐Meyer-‐Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO) value is
above 0.5 indicating that factor analysis is appropriate. Additionally, in the
Communalities table of Appendix B, the extraction value of every variable is
satisfactory given that is above the 0.5 mark.
45
As seen though in the Rotated Component Matrix in Appendix C, although
the grouping of variables for symbolic expressive, cost/sacrifice, epistemic and
social/relational value load appropriately and are inline with the authors
expectations and the suggestions from the literature, the statements “Excelling in
this game makes me feel good” as well as “I feel relaxed when I play this game”
load on a separate factor. Due to the fact that the former statement has a loading
of -‐.488 on the factor as opposed to the later, which has a .787 loading, the factor
did not make much sense. Although both items were used to measure emotional
value and by no means any of these is negatively worded, the chance is that the
majority of the respondents saw the former, as a statement describing an
undesirable state (being happy because you are a good gamer can look socially
unacceptable and “nerdy”). On these grounds the item was removed and the
analysis was run once again.
Surprisingly, the Communalities table in the second analysis as shown in
Appendix D, indicated .364 extraction for the item “I enjoy the pace of this game”
which was incorporated in order to measure the sensory sub dimension of
experiential/hedonic value. As such the analysis was run again excluding this
variable as well.
The results of the final Exploratory Factor Analysis are depicted in
Appendix E, including KMO and Barlett’s test, communalities table, total variance
table and rotated component matrix. KMO value was .773, exceeding the
recommended value of .6 and the Barlett’s Test of Sphericity was significant,
supporting the factorability of the correlation matrix. The communalities table
indicated sufficient extraction levels and finally 7 components with eigenvalues
exceeding 1 were formed, explaining 13.44%, 12.63%, 11.5%, 10.4%, 8.73%,
46
6.4% and 4.9% of the variance respectively. Combined, these components
explained a total of 68.008% of the variance (Appendix E).
5.2.2 Interpretation
A simple clear structure occurred for components 1, 2, 3 and 4
representing epistemic value, cost/sacrifice value, symbolic/expressive value
and social/relational value respectively indicating high loadings of the expected
variables in each case. In the fifth component representing emotional value the
items “When I play the game I get excited”, “I have fun playing this game” and
“playing this game makes me feel good” showed high loadings, but as mentioned
earlier the participants responses on “I feel relaxed playing this game” indicated
that this affective state is somewhat different than the rest desirable ones. It is
understood that the excitement or even the adrenaline rush that occurs when
someone actively engages in a video game are in a sense contrasted to this
emotional state. The extent to which a video game can provide relaxation,
according to the literature should fall under the emotional value dimension.
However the fact that this item did not load the same way the others did on the
speculated component indicates that there is a possibility that emotional value in
the case of video games is multifaceted, having additional subcomponents that
gamers can differentiate from. Even without this variable though the model can
be considered acceptable since the remaining 6 components still explain more
than 60% of the total variance (Field, 2003). Finally the variables used to
measure the sensory value of video games didn’t load as expected since only the
47
items related to the graphics and music of the game appeared load high in the
appropriate factor and the gameplay related item indicated lower loadings and
appeared to load in factors 3 and 5 as well, representing symbolic/expressive
and emotional value respectively, creating a blur image about this specific sub
dimension. (Appendix E).
5.3 Reliability Analysis
In order to validate the internal consistency of every scale, making sure
that the items are measuring the same underlying construct, the reliability
coefficient (Cronbach’s Alpha) need to be calculated. The findings indicated that
scales measuring symbolic/expressive, cost/sacrifice, epistemic,
social/relational as well as emotional value are consistent since all had
Cronbach’s Alpha > 0.7 thus satisfying the required premise (Appendix F). In the
case of sensory value Cronbach’s Alpha was significantly lower than 0.7 (0.531)
jeopardizing the consistency of the scale. Moreover the item regarding the
game’s graphics appeared not be sufficiently correlated with the scale showing
that it is likely to be measuring something different (Appendix F).
By the above results, coupled with the fact that the item related to the “look
and feel” of games shows a .370 correlation with the item regarding a game’s
music we can infer that in the minds of gamers (as pronounced by this research)
these two elements are connected to each other. In addition it is observed that
even though graphics are inseparable part of the gameplay’s nature, respondents
answers in this case show that they consider it as a distinct notion.
48
5.4 Value dimensions
The findings regarding the way dimensions of value are connected are
numerous and it is likely that they appear to be this way do to the nature of the
context they are studied in. More specifically, the subcomponents of the
Expressive/Hedonic value dimensions seem to be able to stand as separate
dimensions as indicated by the high loadings of items in each one of them
showing that gamers’ can differentiate between them. Therefore the notion that
sensory, emotional, social/relational and epistemic co-‐exist under the
experiential/hedonic value umbrella cannot be expressed in this context The
analysis showed that gamers’ perceptions regarding value dimensions are
concrete and the respondents appear to be able to separate from one another
with the exception of sensory value since from the findings of this project we can
not confidently explain what this dimension includes. Moreover it can be said
that a video game title is not limited in being able to deliver a single
subcomponent of Experiential/Hedonic value the same way other more tangible
offerings are as they the potential of value can be strongly related to the gamer’s
mind set.
5.5 Regression analysis
5.5.1 Test results
As mentioned earlier in the methodology section the research instrument
included one question regarding the overall value perceived by the respondents
so that a multivariate regression analysis can be run in order to identify to what
extent overall value can be predicted by this value dimensions conceptualization.
49
Additionally this analysis will indicate which of the dimensions identified by the
exploratory factor analysis is the strongest predictor of overall value.
In the analysis only the 6 factors and the item “I feel relaxed when I play
this game” were included. Table 6 illustrates both the R square and the adjusted
R square indicating that the model explains in the best case, 29.5% of the
variance and in a more modest estimation only 25.5%. In other words this leaves
70.5% or probably more unexplained by these factors variables.
As shown in Anova table in Appendix G, the null hypothesis that R
squared equals 0 can be rejected because the risk of rejecting it although true is
less than .05. The Coefficients table shows that the prominent role cost/sacrifice
value plays in determining the overall value since the Beta coefficient for that
component is .306, the highest among the rest with a significance level of .000.
Additionally emotional value appears to be the second strongest predictor
with a Beta coefficient of .246 and significance level of .006. Finally if we assume
a 10% significance level symbolic/expressive value can be accepted as well since
its Bet coefficient is .166, with .079 significance.
A further check was done to identify whether there is an acceptable level of
correlation (>.3) between the three variables and the overall value variable.
Model R R Square Adjusted R Square
Std. Error of the Estimate
1 .543a .295 .255 .608 Table 6
50
5.5.2 Interpretation
These findings indicate perhaps one of the best-‐supported claim
regarding value, the fact that the perception of the consumer about the trade-‐off
that takes place as he moves along the consumption cycle of an offering is of
major importance when determining the overall value the given customer
perceives. This is no exception in the case of video games. Another point that can
be made stemming form the findings of this research, is that the level of positive
feelings such as the excitement and fun video games can create for the consumer,
are significantly more important than the sensory, social or epistemic aspects of
games in generating value for them.
5.6 Value perceptions across gaming levels
5.6.1 Overall value and playtime
Having established an idea of how some specific value dimensions
influence affect the gamer’s overall value perceptions the next step of this to try
and identify whether individual value perceptions differ across different types of
gamers. In order to do so new variables were computed on the basis of the
findings that came from the exploratory factor analysis run previously. In the
first case different play time of users are compared against specific value
dimensions identified by this research. In order to be able to go through such a
comparison, since users were asked to specify how many hours they spent
playing video games per week with a single number, this variable had to be
recoded in order to come up with an ordinal scale that can be used to compare
51
the segments’ different means. This was also done since the range of hours
denoted by the respondents was between 1-‐50 with many different variations in
between. As such the author decided to group the respondents according to their
playtime.
The subjects where divided into 5 groups as indicated below.
• Group 1: 1-‐10 hours
• Group 2: 11-‐20 hours
• Group 3: 21-‐30 hours
• Group 4: 31-‐40 hours
• Group 5: 41-‐50 hours
Initially a one-‐way analysis of variance was conducted to explore the
impact of levels of playtime on the level of overall value. The hypothesis of equal
variances appeared to be violated so the Brown-‐Forsythe test of equality of
means was also conducted in order to ensure it is not. The analysis indicated a
statistically significant difference at the p<.05 level in overall value scores for the
5 groups. More specifically, post-‐hoc comparisons showed that group 1 was
statistically significant form all 4 remaining groups. The remaining 4 groups
were not significantly different from each other.
Table 7 illustrates the respective mean scores for each of the 5 groups. It
is worth mentioning that group 1, consisting of somehow casual gamers shows
considerably lower mean scores that the rest of the groups and as indicated from
their responses, the characterization they gave for the level of value this game
holds to them revolves around “Adequate”. Assuming that the respondents were
referring to the game they mostly played the past year we can speculate that
52
respondents under group 1 were not thrilled by this game but in the same time
that they didn’t expect to be either.
Table 7; Overall Value mean scores
Groups N Mean
(1) 1-‐10 70 3.33
(2) 11-‐20 27 4.37
(3) 21-‐30 14 4.36
(4) 31-‐40 10 4.40
(5) 41-‐50 11 4.45
5.6.2 Cost/Sacrifice value and playtime
As proved earlier in this research, based on the analysis done to the data
collected, the cost/sacrifice dimension of value is the strongest predictor of
overall value for video games. In an attempt to examine whether different levels
of playtime affect consumer’s perceptions regarding cost/sacrifice value, a
second one-‐way between groups analysis of variance was conducted using the
same groups identified previously.
As the assumption for the homogeneity of variances was not violated (as
indicated in Appendix I) the analysis of variance indicated a statistically
significant difference at the p<.05 level in the cost/sacrifice dimension between
the 5 groups. The post-‐hoc comparisons in this case indicated that the mean
score for group 1 is significantly different from those of group 2 and group 3.
Moreover, the mean score of group 5 was found to be significantly different from
53
those of group 2 and 3 as well. Finally group 4 didn’t appear to be significantly
different than any of the rest of the groups. A summary of the statistical findings
for this analysis can be found in Appendix I.
In Table 8 the fluctuation of mean scores for cost/sacrifice value as we
move from casual to hardcore gamers is depicted.
Table 8; Cost/Sacrifice mean scores across playtime
What can be concluded by these findings is that people, who are just
playing games occasionally, have been enjoying high levels of value deriving
from this dimension. Given the significant difference of the mean scores of
groups 2 and 3 with the rest of the groups, one can argue that consumers that fall
on these categories do not consider that they are not favored by the trade off
related to their video games experience. Further more, hardcore gamers who
spend lots of hours playing games, are perceiving the associated trade-‐off
positively. It is likely that in order to experience the benefits deriving from some
video games, one needs to either be dedicated to them or see them as a minor
leisure activity. Sometimes in games where lot of time and effort is required in
order to advance (game wise), players that can not afford to spent the required
time feel somehow in a disadvantageous position compared to hardcore players.
Groups N Mean
(1) 1-‐10 70 3.75
(2) 11-‐20 27 2.84
(3) 21-‐30 14 2.82
(4) 31-‐40 10 3.22
(5) 41-‐50 11 3.88
54
This case is particularly common in cases where the multiplayer mode of the
game is related to some sort of progression or achievements. Having said that
and assuming the mean scores on overall value indicated in Table 7 the author
argues that what drives these specific segments’ assessments of value, is most
likely to be stemming form a different value dimension such as emotional value.
As such these people spending average time in playing video games are not
driven by their need to minimize the sacrifices related with their gaming
experience and are balancing the get component of the trade-‐off with other value
dimensions.
5.6.3 Emotional value and playtime
The results of the regression analysis indicated that emotional value is the
second strongest predictor of overall value in this value conceptualization setup.
Taking that into account a third one-‐way analysis of variance was run in order to
explore whether and how the perceptions of consumers regarding this type of
value are affected when the consumer’s playtime changes. Using the same
consumer groups, the analysis was conducted and proved a statistically
significant difference at the p<.05 level for emotional value between the 5
groups. the post-‐hoc comparison test indicated that the mean score for group 1
was significantly different from the rest of the groups. Groups 2-‐5 did not differ
significantly from one another. These findings are presented in Appendix J.
Table 9 illustrates the different mean scores of the groups for emotional
value sub dimension. An interesting finding from this analysis relates to the
differences in perceptions of what was described earlier as casual gamers. This
55
group of people appears to be scoring significantly lower than the rest 4 groups
when the emotional dimension of value is considered. Taking into account
previous analysis, the author argues this can constitute the reason why overall
value scores for this group is considerably lower.
Groups N Mean
1-‐10 70 3.35
11-‐20 27 3.95
21-‐30 14 4.16
31-‐40 10 4.26
41-‐50 11 4.30
Table 9; Emotional Value mean scores
56
5.7 Value perceptions across preferred genre
Given that the analysis done on both overall as well as emotional value
with respect to preferred video game genre did not provide any significant and
respectable findings, this part of the analysis will solely focus on cost/sacrifice
value. It needs to be noted that very few observations for the genres: “Fighting”,
“Maze”, “Racing”, “Puzzle” and “Adventure” have occurred and thus the author
does not expect any robust findings regarding this specific types of games and
gamers. Table 10 provides the percentage of respondents for each genre
category.
Table 10
5.3 1.5
5.3 3.8
23.5
22.7
23.5
12.9
1.5
Video Game Genres
Adventure
Fighting
Puzzle
Racing
Role-‐Playing
Sports
Strategy
Action/Shooting/Stealth
Maze
57
5.7.1 Cost/Sacrifice value
On the same grounds as the previous tests, a one-‐way analysis of variance
was conducted in order to examine the effect of the 9 different game genres on
customer perceptions regarding cost/sacrifice value. The analysis indicated a
statistically significant difference at the p<.05 level in the cost/sacrifice
dimension of value for the 9 groups. The post-‐hoc comparisons indicated that the
mean score for consumers that prefer strategy games significantly differ from
the groups that prefer sports and role-‐playing games. The differences in the
mean scores between the rest of the groups were not statistically significant. The
tables in Appendix K summarize the output of this test.
Table 11 illustrates the mean scores for cost/sacrifice value for the 3 game
genres that have significant differences. The differences between Role-‐playing
games and sports are not significant.
Game genre N Mean
Role-‐playing games 31 2.77
Sports 30 3.26
Strategy 31 4.20
Table 11; Cost/sacrifice value mean scores across game genres
Taking into consideration the results from the analysis, it can be argued
that for the segment of consumers that prefer strategy games, cost/sacrifice
value perception levels are considerably high. Coupling this fact with the distinct
characteristics of this type of games an important assumption can be made. By
reflecting on the description of role-‐playing games provided in the beginning of
this paper, we should note that nowadays the majority of these games is offered
58
in an online setting and has become what is termed as MMORPG’s (Massively
multiplayer online role-‐playing games). In the majority of occasions, the user is
required to pay a monthly fee in order to be able to get online an play this types
of games. As such, these gamers are likely to be more interested in the affective
states they experience while playing games and this is what guides their actions
and selection of games. Moving on to sports games, it is important that updated
versions of these titles are launched every calendar year and it has become sort
of a tradition for video game developing firms to do so with no exceptions (even
if the changes in the games features and specifications are minute). Additionally
such companies have tried to broaden this specific product range they offer by
developing 2 or even 3 similar titles (Football games for example) in order to
benefit from this tradition. Having said that it can be concluded that this is likely
to be the reason why these segments perceptions regarding cost/sacrifice value
are significantly lower than the strategy one. Gamers sometimes feel obligated to
by the newest title and if the game does not fit their expectations or the
improvements in it are not easily noticeable tend to consider buying them a bad
choice. This is contrasted with strategy games since all of them are subject to a
one-‐time fee and the product cycle in this case tends to be significantly larger
than in sports games. If we consider these results taking into account the fact
that the respondents were assessing the game they mostly played the past year
we can assume that customers favoring strategy games are more conscious
about minimizing the sacrifices related and their overall value means are high as
well as depicted in Table 12.
59
Table 12; Means for overall value
Genre Mean
Role-‐playing games 4.00
Sports 3.53
Strategy 4.35
5.8 Limitations and Summary
It is important to note that one of the assumptions when using one-‐way
analysis of variance is the normality of the data concerning the dependent
variables. As in this case the assumption was violated the accuracy of the
findings can be under question. Another issue related with the analysis is the low
R squared value that derives from the linear regression and describes that this
composition of constructs does not explain more than 30% of the variance in the
overall value. This leaves a significant room for improvement, as there is a high
probability that other variables can explain a more satisfactory percentage of the
variance. Nevertheless this analysis highlights the importance of cost/sacrifice
and emotional value in overall value perceptions. Moreover an interesting
finding regarding the difference of the low usage segment in terms of emotional
as well as overall value compared to other segments that dedicate more time in
playing video games. Building upon the above fact the author argues that limited
playtime is likely to be preventing casual gamers from experiencing the full
60
potential of what a game title offers. On another respect such users, given that
they can consider gaming a side leisure activity to which they do not attach
significant importance so they do not seek for any of the variables stressed out
here. It seems like this bit of information can assist companies in targeting this
specific segment whose percentage in the overall video game market appears to
be growing.
61
CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION & FUTURE RESEARCH
6.1 Conclusion
As presented in the second chapter of this paper the video games industry’s
future is considered very promising. The growth is coming back and generally
speaking video game development companies’ customer bases that have already
broaden the past few years are expected to so in the years to follow. This
presents firms with the challenge of finding means to enhance their value
propositions, giving their customers the potential to experience appropriate
value gains. Assuming that the average gamers profile is gradually changing over
time it is imperative for video game companies to be able to understand the
requirements of the different segments that exist in the market so that their
selection better fits their competencies and skill sets. One of the insights related
to this domain and pronounced by the findings of this paper, is the perceptual
difference in overall and emotional value between casual gamers who spend
minimal time playing video games and gamers that spend more than dedicate
more than 10 hours per week in gaming activities.
As far as the cost/sacrifice dimension is concerned, people spending
average to high time gaming, do not seem to perceive the cost/sacrifice type of
value the same way casual and extremely passionate gamers do. These types of
consumers, do not consider the trade-‐off between what they give and what they
get as being favorable towards them, but this does not majorly affect them since
choose titles on the basis of value dimensions other than cost/sacrifice
62
6.2 Directions for future research
As far as further research is concerned, a different approach using an
alternative conceptual basis is likely to deliver insightful information on the
predictive ability of individual value dimensions towards overall value.
Furthermore a study with a significantly larger scale can provide the means to
develop a robust and accurate value measurement regarding video games. The
author also believes that further insights are to be gained by research focusing in
a specific video games genre so the findings can become more concrete and can
lead to actionable marketing strategies for targeting specific customer groups.
Moreover a research focusing on a broader age group having a representative
sample can provide information that can be generalized and applied further.
6.2-‐i
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A-‐1
Appendix A Video Games survey
Please complete this two-‐page questionnaire by selecting the appropriate boxes
How many hours do you spend playing video games per week?*
____________________________________________ What is your preferred game genre?*
( ) Adventure (Myst, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Portal, etc) ( ) Fighting (Tekken, Mortal Kombat, etc) ( ) Puzzle (Tetris, Angry Birds, Dr. Mario, etc) ( ) Racing (Need for Speed, Gran Turismo, etc) ( ) Role Playing (Dungeons & Dragons, Final Fantasy, Diablo, World of Warcraft, etc) ( ) Sports (FIFA, Virtual Tennis, NBA, etc) ( ) Strategy (Age of Empires, Civilization, Warcraft, Starcraft, etc) ( ) Action/Shooting/Stealth (Call of Duty, Battlefield, Splinter Cell, GTA, etc) ( ) Maze (Pac man, etc)
Do you prefer online or offline games?*
( ) Online ( ) Offline
Name the game title you mostly played in the past year and indicate your level of agreement with the following statements related to it I enjoy the graphics in this game*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
A-‐2
I enjoy the pace of this game* ( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
When I play this game I get excited*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
Playing this game helps me to meet like-‐minded people*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I have fun playing this game*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
Excelling in this game makes me feel good*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
The choice of purchasing this game is a right decision when price and other expenses and effort are considered*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I enjoy the music in this game*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
A-‐3
I like competing against other players*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
Playing this game makes me feel good*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I enjoy playing in teams/groups*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I like that this game has different features compared to other games*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I like that one needs to figure out how the game works*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
This game offers value for money compared to previous experiences*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I feel I'm part of a wide social group when I play this game*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
A-‐4
This game reflects my personality*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
This game challenges me intellectually*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
This game is reasonably priced*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I feel relaxed when I play this game* ( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
The way I play this game shows my competitive side*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
This game is value for money compared to other similar games*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
I learned new things playing this game*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
A-‐5
I've associated this game with pleasant memories*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
This game means a lot to me*
( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
This game allows me to show my skills* ( ) Strongly disagree ( ) Disagree ( ) Neutral ( ) Agree ( ) Strongly agree
Overall, how would you rate the value this game holds?*
( ) Poor ( ) Fair ( ) Adequate ( ) Good ( ) Excellent
Please fill in the following demographic information Gender
( ) Male ( ) Female
Age
( ) 18-24 ( ) 25-34 ( ) 35-44 ( ) 45-54 ( ) 55-64 ( ) 65+
Education level
( ) Graduated high school or equivalent ( ) Certificate/diploma ( ) Bachelor's degree ( ) Post-graduate degree ( ) Doctorate ( ) Other
B-‐6
Appendix B
KMO and Bartlett's Test Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy. .763
Approx. Chi-Square 1448.579 df 351 Bartlett's Test of Sphericity Sig. .000
Communalities Initial Extraction I enjoy the music in this game
1.000 .796
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy
1.000 .591
I enjoy the graphics in this game
1.000 .681
I enjoy the pace of this game
1.000 .702
When I play this game I get excited
1.000 .699
I have fun playing this game
1.000 .683
Playing this game makes me feel good
1.000 .577
I feel relaxed when I play this game
1.000 .725
Excelling in this game makes me feel good
1.000 .575
Playing this game helps me to meet like-minded people
1.000 .688
I like competing against other players
1.000 .661
I enjoy playing in teams/groups
1.000 .609
I feel I'm part of a wide social group when I play this game
1.000 .652
B-‐7
I like that this game has different features compared to other games
1.000 .724
I like that one needs to figure out how the game works
1.000 .640
I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game
1.000 .668
I learned new things playing this game
1.000 .718
This game challenges me intellectually
1.000 .731
This game is reasonably priced
1.000 .745
This game offers value for money compared to previous experiences
1.000 .813
This game is value for money compared to other similar games
1.000 .766
The choice of purchasing this game is a right decision when price and other expenses and effort are considered
1.000 .708
This game reflects my personality
1.000 .645
I've associated this game with pleasant memories
1.000 .609
This game means a lot to me
1.000 .710
The way I play this game shows my competitive side
1.000 .703
This game allows me to show my skills
1.000 .663
C-‐8
Appendix C
Rotated Component Matrixa
Component
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 I enjoy the music in this game
.082 -.026 .240 .140 -.093 .650 .507 -.156
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy
.198 .245 .266 -.044 .241 .236 .553 -.003
I enjoy the graphics in this game
-.094 .201 -.030 .011 .259 .735 -.152 -.013
I enjoy the pace of this game
-.103 .108 .051 .128 .259 -.169 .750 .054
When I play this game I get excited
.074 .056 .171 .198 .754 .062 .192 .108
I have fun playing this game
-.053 .034 .135 .005 .801 .007 .131 -.042
Playing this game makes me feel good
-.017 .050 .243 .162 .628 .112 .048 .283
I feel relaxed when I play this game
-.026 -.013 .168 -.043 .273 -.020 -.010 .787
Excelling in this game makes me feel good
.177 .209 .305 .020 .382 .230 -.084 -.448
Playing this game helps me to meet like-minded people
.256 .057 .219 .729 -.065 .045 -.005 .184
C-‐9
I like competing against other players
-.020 .041 .111 .784 .125 -.052 -.007 -.112
I enjoy playing in teams/groups
-.056 .007 .047 .706 .291 .056 .069 -.116
I feel I'm part of a wide social group when I play this game
.069 .102 .088 .786 -.016 .029 .085 .052
I like that this game has different features compared to other games
.821 -.091 .101 .026 -.023 .147 .087 .048
I like that one needs to figure out how the game works
.755 .110 .149 -.015 -.118 -.062 .071 -.115
I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game
.716 .047 .040 -.106 .153 -.259 .032 -.222
I learned new things playing this game
.824 .061 .075 .088 .092 .015 -.108 .039
This game challenges me intellectually
.821 -.009 .042 .183 -.053 .077 -.032 .105
This game is reasonably priced
.029 .857 .029 -.016 -.013 .075 .015 .051
This game offers value for money compared to previous experiences
.056 .883 .058 .097 .098 .040 .066 -.043
C-‐10
This game is value for money compared to other similar games
.006 .866 .118 .028 .034 .008 .025 -.005
The choice of purchasing this game is a right decision when price and other expenses and effort are considered
.004 .806 .145 .113 .051 .034 .118 -.079
This game reflects my personality
.189 .219 .675 .112 .132 .136 .098 .221
I've associated this game with pleasant memories
.046 .075 .719 .077 .148 .045 .195 .125
This game means a lot to me
.221 .030 .757 -.001 .162 .239 .040 .046
The way I play this game shows my competitive side
-.120 .116 .605 .313 .125 -.382 -.003 -.221
This game allows me to show my skills
.095 .077 .726 .246 .127 -.176 -.015 -.116
Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. Rotation Method: Varimax with Kaiser Normalization. a. Rotation converged in 22 iterations.
D-‐11
Appendix D
Communalities Initial Extraction I enjoy the music in this game
1.000 .798
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy
1.000 .560
I enjoy the graphics in this game
1.000 .528
I enjoy the pace of this game
1.000 .364
When I play this game I get excited
1.000 .691
I have fun playing this game
1.000 .666
Playing this game makes me feel good
1.000 .570
I feel relaxed when I play this game
1.000 .653
Playing this game helps me to meet like-minded people
1.000 .680
I like competing against other players
1.000 .657
I enjoy playing in teams/groups
1.000 .604
I feel I'm part of a wide social group when I play this game
1.000 .649
I like that this game has different features compared to other games
1.000 .726
I like that one needs to figure out how the game works
1.000 .647
I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game
1.000 .652
I learned new things playing this game
1.000 .711
D-‐12
This game challenges me intellectually
1.000 .730
This game is reasonably priced
1.000 .743
This game offers value for money compared to previous experiences
1.000 .816
This game is value for money compared to other similar games
1.000 .767
The choice of purchasing this game is a right decision when price and other expenses and effort are considered
1.000 .707
This game reflects my personality
1.000 .649
I've associated this game with pleasant memories
1.000 .605
This game means a lot to me
1.000 .686
The way I play this game shows my competitive side
1.000 .691
This game allows me to show my skills
1.000 .650
Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis.
E-‐13
Appendix E
KMO and Bartlett's Test Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy. .773
Approx. Chi-Square 1367.436 df 300 Bartlett's Test of Sphericity Sig. .000
Communalities Initial Extraction I enjoy the music in this game
1.000 .787
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy
1.000 .524
I enjoy the graphics in this game
1.000 .509
When I play this game I get excited
1.000 .694
I have fun playing this game
1.000 .756
Playing this game makes me feel good
1.000 .575
I feel relaxed when I play this game
1.000 .735
Playing this game helps me to meet like-minded people
1.000 .690
I like competing against other players
1.000 .667
I enjoy playing in teams/groups
1.000 .613
I feel I'm part of a wide social group when I play this game
1.000 .662
I like that this game has different features compared to other games
1.000 .724
I like that one needs to figure out how the game works
1.000 .648
E-‐14
I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game
1.000 .643
I learned new things playing this game
1.000 .708
This game challenges me intellectually
1.000 .736
This game is reasonably priced
1.000 .742
This game offers value for money compared to previous experiences
1.000 .816
This game is value for money compared to other similar games
1.000 .768
The choice of purchasing this game is a right decision when price and other expenses and effort are considered
1.000 .705
This game reflects my personality
1.000 .665
I've associated this game with pleasant memories
1.000 .606
This game means a lot to me
1.000 .675
The way I play this game shows my competitive side
1.000 .701
This game allows me to show my skills
1.000 .655
Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis.
E-‐15
E-‐16
Rotated Component Matrixa Component
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 I enjoy the music in this game
.253 .127 .812 -.202
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy
.196 .258 .317 .353 .427
I enjoy the graphics in this game
-.104 .206 -.130 .182 .612 .176
When I play this game I get excited
.175 .200 .761 .162
I have fun playing this game
.140 .853
Playing this game makes me feel good
.222 .158 .629 .100 .303
I feel relaxed when I play this game
.145 .219 .811
Playing this game helps me to meet like-minded people
.247 .210 .731 .201
I like competing against other players
.120 .778 .152 -.147
I enjoy playing in teams/groups
.702 .307 -.117
I feel I'm part of a wide social group when I play this game
.793
I like that this game has different features compared to other games
.818 .191
I like that one needs to figure out how the game works
.761 .113 .165 -.142
I like the amount of practice it takes to master this game
.725 .140 -.221 -.179
I learned new things playing this game
.825
This game challenges me intellectually
.816 .189 .149
E-‐17
This game is reasonably priced
.855
This game offers value for money compared to previous experiences
.886 .101
This game is value for money compared to other similar games
.867 .118
The choice of purchasing this game is a right decision when price and other expenses and effort are considered
.810 .156 .112
This game reflects my personality
.184 .215 .655 .117 .168 .325
I've associated this game with pleasant memories
.727 .177 .132 .123
This game means a lot to me
.219 .720 .159 .261 .122
The way I play this game shows my competitive side
-.106 .124 .637 .310 .133 -.332 -.209
This game allows me to show my skills
.107 .732 .243 .127 -.136
Extraction Method: Principal Component Analysis. Rotation Method: Varimax with Kaiser Normalization. a. Rotation converged in 6 iterations.
F-‐18
Appendix F
Reliability Statistics Symbolic/Expressive Value
Cronbach's Alpha
N of Items
.800 5
Reliability Statistics Cost/Sacrifice Value
Cronbach's Alpha
N of Items
.890 4
Reliability Statistics Epistemic value
Cronbach's Alpha
N of Items
.857 5
Reliability Statistics Social/Relational Value Cronbach's
Alpha N of Items
.782 4
Reliability Statistics Emotional Value
Cronbach's Alpha
N of Items
.751 3
F-‐19
Reliability Statistics
Sensory Value Cronbach's
Alpha N of Items
.531 3
Item-Total Statistics Scale Mean if
Item Deleted Scale Variance if Item Deleted
Corrected Item-Total Correlation
Cronbach's Alpha if Item
Deleted I enjoy the music in this game
8.39 1.353 .425 .305
The look and feel of this game is something I enjoy
7.37 2.220 .364 .410
I enjoy the graphics in this game
7.48 2.496 .287 .517
G-‐20
Appendix G
Coefficientsa Standardized Coefficients
Collinearity Statistics Model
Beta
t Sig.
Tolerance VIF (Constant) 19.105 .000
Symbolic/expressive
.166 1.774 .079 .652 1.534
Cost sacrifice .306 3.854 .000 .903 1.108 Epistemic -.016 -.198 .843 .915 1.093 Social/Relational .007 .089 .929 .840 1.191 Emotional .246 2.778 .006 .726 1.377 Sensory .048 .568 .571 .790 1.266
I feel relaxed when I play this game
.026 .322 .748 .894 1.118
a. Dependent Variable: Overall, how would you rate the value this game holds?
ANOVAa Model Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Regression 19.164 7 2.738 7.397 .000b Residual 45.896 124 .370 1 Total 65.061 131
G-‐21
Correlation between Overall Value and individual factors
H-‐22
Appendix H
Test of Homogeneity of Variances Overall Value across playtime
Levene Statistic
df1 df2 Sig.
8.870 4 127 .000
ANOVA Overall Value across playtime Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 36.912 4 9.228 12.457 .000 Within Groups 94.081 127 .741 Total 130.992 131
Robust Tests of Equality of Means Overall Value across playtime Statistica df1 df2 Sig. Brown-Forsythe 22.776 4 75.603 .000
I-‐23
Appendix I
Test of Homogeneity of Variances Cost/Sacrifice Value across playtime
Levene Statistic
df1 df2 Sig.
.956 4 127 .434
ANOVA Cost/Sacrifice Value across playtime Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 24.436 4 6.109 9.533 .000 Within Groups 81.384 127 .641 Total 105.819 131
J-‐24
Appendix J
Test of Homogeneity of Variances Emotional Value across playtime
Levene Statistic
df1 df2 Sig.
3.039 4 127 .020
ANOVA Emotional Value across playtime Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 19.963 4 4.991 10.316 .000 Within Groups 61.439 127 .484 Total 81.402 131
Robust Tests of Equality of Means Emotional Value across playtime Statistica df1 df2 Sig. Brown-Forsythe 14.649 4 73.322 .000 a. Asymptotically F distributed.
J-‐25
K-‐26
Appendix K
Test of Homogeneity of Variances Cost/Sacrifice Value across game genres
Levene Statistic
df1 df2 Sig.
.572 8 123 .799
ANOVA Cost/Sacrifice Value across game genres Sum of
Squares df Mean Square F Sig.
Between Groups 36.749 8 4.594 6.714 .000 Within Groups 84.158 123 .684 Total 120.907 131
K-‐27
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